What is life? Why do bees dance? How do animals know their mothers? Who discovered germs? Biology is the story of our quest to understand the living world and explain how its organisms work and interact-whether microbes, mushrooms, or mammals. Written in plain English, The Biology Book is packed with short, pithy explanations of more than 95 key ideas. Step-by-step flowcharts untangle complex theories, diagrams demystify biological processes, illuminating quotes make the ideas and discoveries memorable, and witty illustrations enhance and play with our understanding of the science. Whether you're new to the subject, a budding botanist or molecular scientist, or and avid student of the natural world, you'll find plenty in this book to satisfy your curiosity. Book jacket.